Mayor Coleen J. Seng today encouraged Lincoln residents to voluntarily conserve
outdoor water this summer by following the designated day schedule for outdoor
watering instituted four years ago. She encouraged conservation as the unpredictable
summer months approach and the western part of the state continues to experience
dry conditions, which is the source of Lincoln’s water supply.

“Despite recent rains, we know from experience that the weather can change
quickly, and drought conditions are always possible,” said Mayor Seng. “I
encourage residents to practice water conservation all summer.”

Properties with street addresses ending in an even number, including zero, are
asked to voluntarily limit outdoor water use (watering lawns and washing vehicles)
to Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Properties with addresses ending in odd numbers
are asked to voluntarily limit outdoor watering to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Those property owners with more than one street address at the same location can
choose either daily schedule and notify the Lincoln Water System (LWS) of their decision.

“Residents have done a good job conserving outdoor water in the past,” said
Jerry Obrist, LWS Utilities Coordinator. “I want to remind residents that the City’s
water fees are structured to encourage conservation. The more water you use, the
higher the rate, so those who water excessively this summer can expect high water bills,” Obrist said.

Water is billed by the unit. One unit is 100 cubic feet of water or about 750
gallons. The price is $1.05 per unit for the first eight units (about 6,000 gallons).
The price increases to $1.48 per unit for the next 15 units (11,250 gallons). It
increases again to $2.28 per unit for every 750 gallons above 15 units. A complete
description of water rates and the City’s Water Management Plan are available on
the City Web site, lincoln.ne.gov, under the tab
for Public Works and Utilities.

In addition to following the designated day system, the Mayor’s Water Conservation
Task Force recommends that citizens:

water during the cool part of the day;

not water when it is windy;

adjust sprinklers to water only the lawn, and not the sidewalk or street;

use a broom, not a hose and water, for outdoor cleaning; and

wash your car with a pail of soapy water, using the hose only to rinse the car.

Obrist encouraged those who have automatic lawn irrigation systems to set them
to follow the designated watering days system.

“Our statistics show that enough people are conforming to our conservation
suggestions that our peak time for water usage has shifted from later in the day
to earlier in the day,” said Obrist. “Residents have always shown a willingness
to conserve outdoor water use. I’m confident they’ll follow suit this time as
well, and we appreciate their help.” Obrist said that the use of designated days
helps to level the daily usage of water throughout the week.